So I'm thinking about buying a mandolin, anyone have any advice on it?

[Stingray89]

I'm thinking about buying a mandolin and I've looked into several of them and I want something that's going to last along time but dosn't cost alot of money, probably something in the $200 to $250 range or cheaper. So can anyone point me in a good direction and does anyone have any tips for learning to play the mandolin?

[cavemusic]

Originally Posted by Stingray89

I'm thinking about buying a mandolin and I've looked into several of them and I want something that's going to last along time but dosn't cost alot of money, probably something in the $200 to $250 range or cheaper. So can anyone point me in a good direction and does anyone have any tips for learning to play the mandolin?

Go to Mandolin Cafe. There are lots of mandolin fans there that can give you some good advice. From what I know about mandolins, even the entry level instruments are not very cheap. If it's too cheap, it could be junky.

[MirageBass]

Check Rondomusic.com. They have a Valencial at $80, pretty good for someone just looking into the instrument. If you feel like moving up from there, they have a nice Agile for about $300. Just check Bluegrass and Folk instruments under Acoustic Guitars.

[Syeknom]

Mandolin Cafe is a great site, with some fantastic resources on it. Especially good for their chord selector.

I picked up a Tanglewood at a shop locally for about £120. It's not exactly a high end instrument, but it's great for playing around at home with.

Make sure to decide between F holes or A holes - an A holed mandolin may cost a fair bit more, but might be what you want.

[Philbiker]

If you buy one, do the world a favor. Set it on fire.